Mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing a mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise a first communication interface module that is adapted to communicatively couple the mobile telephone to a mobile telephone communication network. A second communication interface module may be adapted to communicatively couple the mobile telephone to a computer communication network. At least one module may utilize the second communication interface module to communicate with the computer communication network to establish an independent network presence for the mobile telephone on the computer communication network. The mobile telephone may, for example, be established as an autonomous addressable device on the computer communication network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority fromprovisional patent application Ser. No. 60/627,574, filed Nov. 12, 2004,and titled “MOBILE HANDHELD MULTI-MEDIA GATEWAY AND PHONE,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile phones may currently be coupled to a computer. For example, amobile (e.g., cellular or satellite) phone and a personal computer maycomprise respective USB ports, serial ports or other compatible datainterfaces that provide for data communication between the personalcomputer and the mobile phone. A mobile phone may be coupled to anetworked computer, for example and without limitation, to effectcommunications that may not be possible or practical over thecommunication network with which the mobile phone may typicallyinterface. For example, a mobile phone may be coupled to a personalcomputer to download software or ring tones into the mobile phone, wherethe personal computer may, in turn, be coupled to the Internet.

Using the personal computer as an intermediary, a user may, for example,download software or other information into a mobile phone that iscommunicatively coupled to the personal computer. For example in anexemplary scenario, a cellular phone may be communicatively coupled to apersonal computer and treated as a memory device (or other accessory) ofthe personal computer. Utilizing a personal computer or other networkeddevice in such a manner may be inconvenient and at times, impossible.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method forproviding a mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone, substantiallyas shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of thefigures, as set forth more completely in the claims. These and otheradvantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as wellas details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fullyunderstood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile handheldmulti-media gateway and phone, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providingmobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone communications, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communicationnetwork comprising a plurality of mobile handheld multi-media gatewayand phones, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for utilizinga mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone in a computer network,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile handheldmulti-media gateway and phone, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile handheldmulti-media gateway and phone 100, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone100 (which, for convenience, may also be referred to herein in anon-limiting manner as the “mobile telephone 100”) may comprise a firstcommunication interface module 110 adapted to communicatively couple themobile telephone 100 to a mobile telephone communication network. Amobile telephone communication network 100 may, for example and withoutlimitation, comprise characteristics of a cellular telephone network, asatellite telephone communication network, a mobile telephone basestation that is communicatively coupled to the Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (“PSTN”), a mobile telephone base station that iscommunicatively coupled to a cable television network, etc. The scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular type of mobile telephone communicationnetwork.

The first communication interface module 110 may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of types of communication interfacemodules. For example and without limitation, the first communicationinterface module 110 may be adapted (i.e., comprise hardware and/orsoftware components) to communicatively couple the mobile telephone 100to one or more cellular communication networks. Such cellularcommunication network(s) may be based on any of a number of cellularcommunication architectures and protocols (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, TDMA,PDC, analog, etc.).

Also for example, the first communication interface module 110 may beadapted to communicatively couple the mobile telephone 100 to a basestation, which in turn is communicatively coupled to the PSTN or a cabletelevision network. Additionally for example, the first communicationinterface module 110 may be adapted to communicatively couple the mobiletelephone 100 to a satellite telephone communication network. Ingeneral, the first communication interface module 110 may be adapted tocommunicatively couple the mobile telephone 100 to any one or more of avariety of telephone communication networks. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular type of telephone communication networkor by characteristics of a particular hardware and/or software modulethat is adapted to communicate with such a network.

The exemplary mobile telephone 100 may comprise a second communicationinterface module 120 that is adapted to communicatively couple themobile telephone 100 to one or more computer communication networks.Such a computer communication network may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of computer communication networks. For example andwithout limitation, the computer communication network may comprise theInternet. Also for example, the computer communication network maycomprise a metropolitan area network (“MAN”), a wide area network(“WAN”), a local area network (“LAN”) and/or a personal area network(“PAN”).

The computer communication network may, for example, comprise aplurality of communicatively coupled computer communication networksand/or other communication networks. For example, the computercommunication network may comprise a LAN that is communicatively coupledto the Internet directly through an Internet node or through a broadbandcommunication network. Also for example, the computer communicationnetwork may comprise a PAN that is communicatively coupled to theInternet through a cellular telephone network, the PSTN or a broadbandcommunication network. Further for example, the computer communicationnetwork may comprise a PAN that is communicatively coupled to a campusLAN, which in turn is communicatively coupled to the Internet. Variousnon-limiting exemplary general communication, telecommunication andcomputer communication networks will also be illustrated in FIG. 3,which will be discussed later. The scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular computer communication network or characteristics of aparticular combination of computer and/or other communication networks.

The second communication interface module 120 may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of types of communication interfacemodules. For example and without limitation, the second communicationinterface module 120 may be adapted (i.e., comprise hardware and/orsoftware components) to communicatively couple the mobile telephone 100to one or more computer communication networks.

The second communication interface module 120 may be adapted tocommunicate with the computer communication network utilizing any of avariety of communication protocols. Such communication protocols may,for example, comprise computer communication protocols and/ortelecommunication or general communication protocols. The secondcommunication interface module 120 may, for example, comprisecharacteristics of an IEEE 802.11-based (and/or IEEE 802.15-based)communication port. The second communication interface module 120 may,for example, comprise characteristics of an Ethernet or Token-ring basedcommunication port. Also for example, the second communication interfacemodule 120 may comprise characteristics of an UltraWideBand (“UWB”),Bluetooth, ZigBee, high data rate WPAN and/or low data rate WPANcommunication port. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular communication protocol or characteristics of a particularcommunication module or port for communicating utilizing any particularcommunication protocol.

The second communication interface module 120 may be adapted tocommunicate with the computer communication network over a variety ofcommunication media. For example and without limitation, the secondcommunication interface module 120 may comprise a wireless RFcommunication port 122 for communicating with one or more computercommunication networks. Also for example, the second communicationinterface module 120 may comprise a non-tethered optical communicationport 124 (e.g., adapted to communicate over infrared or ultravioletoptical frequencies). Further for example, the second communicationinterface module 120 may comprise a wired communication port 128 or atethered optical communication port 126, through which the mobiletelephone 100 may be physically coupled (e.g., through an electricallyor optically conductive transmission line) to a device of the computercommunication network. The scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularcommunication medium or by characteristics of an interface module orport for communicating over a particular communication medium.

In various non-limiting exemplary scenarios, the second communicationinterface module 120 may utilize the first communication interfacemodule 110 to indirectly communicatively couple the mobile telephone 100to a computer communication network. For example and without limitation,such a configuration may be utilized to communicatively couple themobile telephone 100 to the computer communication network through acellular telephone network or the PSTN.

Communication between the second communication interface module 120 andthe computer communication network may be initiated in any of a varietyof manners. For example and without limitation, such communication maybe initiated in response to direct user command in response to a timer,or in response to a signal received from another communication device.The second communication interface module 120 may, for example, beadapted to detect the presence of the computer communication networkprior to establishing a communication link between the mobile telephone100 and the computer communication network (e.g., through thecommunication (i.e., transmission and/or reception) of beacon messagesand responses to beacon messages. For example, the second communicationinterface module 120 may be adapted to transmit beacon messages prior toestablishing a communication link between the mobile telephone 100 andthe computer communication network, and monitoring responses to suchbeacon messages. Also for example, the second communication interfacemodule 120 may be adapted to detect the presence of the computercommunication network through monitoring general communication trafficrelated to the computer communication network. The scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the establishment of any particular type ofcommunication link between a communication interface module and one ormore computer communication networks.

The second communication interface module 120 may, for example, beadapted to communicatively couple the mobile telephone 100 to thecomputer communication network through one or more of a plurality ofcommunication pathways. The non-limiting example provided in FIG. 1shows the second communication interface module 120 adapted tocommunicate over wireless RF, non-tethered optical, tethered optical andwired interfaces. The second communication interface module 120 mayfurther, for example, be adapted to communicate over a plurality ofcommunication pathways simultaneously. Such plurality of communicationpathways (e.g., between the mobile telephone 100 and a networked devicecommunicating with the mobile telephone 100) may be completelyindependent or may share various communication network portions.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular communicationpathway or by characteristics of communication over a plurality ofcommunication pathways serially or concurrently.

The exemplary mobile telephone 100 may comprise a communication module130 that generally manages communication operation for the mobiletelephone 100. The communication module 130 may, for example, utilizethe first communication interface module 110 to establish and performcommunication with a mobile telephone communication network (e.g.,utilizing the capabilities of the first communication interface module110, some of which were discussed previously). The communication module130 may also, for example, utilize the second communication interfacemodule 120 to establish and perform communication with a computercommunication network (e.g., utilizing the capabilities of the secondcommunication interface module 120, some of which were discussedpreviously).

The communication module 130 may (e.g., utilizing the secondcommunication interface module 120) communicate with a computercommunication network to establish the mobile telephone 100 as anautonomous addressable device on the computer communication network. Asan autonomous addressable device on the computer communication network,the mobile telephone 100 may have an independent network presence. Beingso networked, the mobile telephone 100 may, for example, communicatewith other devices coupled to the computer communication network as anindependent networked entity, rather than as a peripheral or attachmentof another networked computing device.

For example, the mobile telephone 100 may receive information addressedto a unique computer network address assigned to the mobile telephone(e.g., even in a scenario where the mobile telephone is coupled to thecomputer communication network through a personal computer with its ownunique network address). Also for example, the mobile telephone 100 maycommunicate directly with a mobile telephone company through thecomputer communication network to receive software upgrades or todownload multi-media information (e.g., music and/or video information).Further for example, the mobile telephone 100 may function as a computercommunication network gateway or router. For example, the mobiletelephone 100 may direct information (e.g., addressed to the mobiletelephone 100) to peripheral or attachment devices of the mobiletelephone 100, or may route information directed to another networkeddevice to that device.

The communication module 130 may establish the mobile telephone 100 asan autonomous addressable device (e.g., a device having an independentnetwork presence) in any of a variety of manners. For example andwithout limitation, the communication module 130 may establish a uniquecomputer network address for the mobile telephone. In a non-limitingexemplary Internet scenario, the communication module 130 may establisha unique IP address for the mobile telephone 100. The communicationmodule 130 may, for example, retrieve such an IP address from an IPaddress server of the computer communication network. Alternatively forexample, the communication module 130 may determine and communicate anIP address that has been predetermined for the mobile telephone 100(e.g., similar to the manner in which a unique telephone number isassigned to a mobile telephone). Further for example, the communicationmodule 130 may determine an IP address for the mobile telephone 100 thatis based, at least in part, on the static telephone number or serialnumber that is assigned to the mobile telephone 100.

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the communication module 130may establish the mobile telephone 100 as an autonomous addressabledevice by interfacing with a network controller of a MAN, WAN, LAN orPAN to establish an independent network presence (e.g., including aunique computer network address) for the mobile telephone 100. As withthe exemplary Internet scenario discussed previously, such a uniquecomputer network address may be predetermined, randomly orpseudo-randomly assigned in real-time and/or at least partially derived.For example, such a unique computer network address of the mobiletelephone 100 may comprise any of a variety of characteristics. Forexample and without limitation, the unique computer network address maycomprise aspects of the static telephone number of the mobile telephone100 (e.g., in combination with various computer network designations,like sector, cell, node, access point or computer identifiers).Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular type ofcomputer network address for the mobile telephone 100.

The communication module 130 (e.g., operating in conjunction with thecomputer communication network) may establish the mobile telephone 100as an autonomous addressable networked device by providing that thepresence of the mobile telephone 100 on the computer communicationnetwork is detectable by at least a portion of other devices coupled tothe computer communication network. For example and without limitation,other devices that are also communicatively coupled to the computercommunication network may be able to scan the computer communicationnetwork or communicate with a network database to determine that themobile telephone 100 is present on the computer communication network.In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a first autonomously addressablemobile telephone may be able to determine if a second mobile telephoneis communicatively coupled to the computer communication network (e.g.,directly or through one or more intervening computer and/orcommunication networks). As a non-limiting example, a networked devicedesiring to communicate with the mobile telephone 100 may determinewhether the mobile telephone 100 is presently a part of the computercommunication network.

Similarly, the communication module 130 may be adapted to detect otherdevices coupled to the computer communication network. For example, in anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the communication module 130 may beable to determine if another mobile telephone is communicatively coupledto the computer communication network (e.g., directly or through one ormore intervening computer and/or communication networks). Thecommunication module 130 may, for example, make such a determination byattempting to communicate with a particular mobile telephone or maycommunicate with a networked database comprising information ofnetworked devices. Such a database may, for example, comprisecharacteristics of a database listing mobile telephones that arepresently communicatively coupled to the computer communication network.Such a database may also, for example, comprise characteristics of acentralized database or a distributed database.

The communication module 130 may, for example after establishing themobile telephone 100 as an autonomous addressable device on the computercommunication network, manage communication of information between themobile telephone 100 and other networked devices over the computercommunication network (e.g., utilizing the unique network address of themobile telephone 100). Such other networked devices may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of devices that may becommunicatively coupled to a computer communication network (e.g., amulti-media server, a program server, another mobile telephone, apersonal computer, a portable telephone phone coupled to the computercommunication network through the PSTN, a web server, etc.).

The communication module 130, or other module of the mobile telephone100, may, for example, comprise the capability to receive and/ortransmit unsolicited messages and present such messages to a user of themobile telephone 100. As a non-limiting example, the communicationmodule 130 may be adapted to provide messenger capability.

The communication module 130 may, or other module of the mobiletelephone 100 may, for example, may, for example, be adapted to sharestored information and/or processing power with other networked devices.For example and without limitation, the communication module 130 may beadapted to communicate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) file structureinformation with another networked device. Such file directoryinformation (e.g., file structure information) may, for example, beutilized by the mobile telephone 100 to access stored information orstorage space in another networked device or vice versa. Also forexample, the communication module 130 may be adapted to communicate fileformat information with another networked device. Such file formatinformation may, for example, be utilized by the mobile telephone 100(or other networked device) to access file information or convert fileinformation to a particular format.

Additionally, for example, the communication module 130 may be adaptedto communicate processor-sharing information with another networkeddevice. Such processor sharing information may, for example, be utilizedby the mobile telephone 100 (or other networked device) to shareprocessing power with another networked device. For example, suchprocessor sharing information may comprise a request or command foranother processor to perform an operation (e.g., file formatting,encoding/decoding, general data processing, etc.).

In general, the communication module 130 may generally managecommunication operation of the mobile telephone 100. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular manner in which such operation may becontrolled.

The mobile telephone 100 may comprise a user interface module 140 thatprovides an interface between the mobile telephone 100 and a user of themobile telephone 100. The user interface module 140 may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of user interfaces. The userinterface module 140 may, for example and without limitation, be adaptedto provide any of a variety of audio, video and/or tactile userinterfaces. For example and without limitation, the user interfacemodule 140 may be adapted to provide video display, audio speaker, videocamera, microphone, touchscreen, touchpad, keypad and vibration U/Ifunctionality.

For example, the mobile telephone 100 (e.g., the communication module130) may utilize the user interface module 140 to provide acommunication interface (e.g., video, audio and/or textual) between auser of the mobile telephone 100 and other devices coupled to thecomputer communication network. For example, the mobile telephone 100may utilize the user interface module 140 to notify a user of anincoming message to the mobile telephone 100 from another communicationdevice (e.g., another mobile telephone). Also for example, the mobiletelephone 100 may utilize the user interface module 140 to provide auser interface for information communicated over the computercommunication network, where the user interface shares variouscharacteristics with a typical mobile telephone user interface. Forexample, the mobile telephone 100 may utilize the user interface module140, for communications between the mobile telephone 100 and anothermobile telephone over a computer communication network, to provide auser interface that is generally the same as the user interface for amobile telephone communication over a mobile telephone communicationnetwork. The scope of various aspects of the present invention shouldnot be limited by characteristics of a particular type of user interfaceor hardware and/of software that provide a particular type of userinterface.

The exemplary mobile telephone 100 may comprise an application memory150 (e.g., in addition to other memory) for storing software applicationinstructions. The mobile telephone 100 may also comprise a processor 160for executing software application instructions. The exemplary mobiletelephone 100 may thus comprise an application layer on which any of avariety of application software (e.g., communication software and/oruser interface software) may execute. For example and withoutlimitation, such software may comprise communication software, webbrowser software, multi-media presentation software, various audioand/or video software, text messaging software, file translationsoftware, software to manage file sharing, software to manage processorsharing, gaming software, etc. Also for example, such software maycomprise software supportive of any of a variety of messenger-typeapplications (e.g., instant messaging). Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular software application that may beexecuted by a processor.

Note that the previous discussion generally referred to modules of theexemplary module telephone 100. Such modules were chosen forillustrative clarity and should not limit various aspects of the presentinvention. For example, a module may be implemented in hardware,software or a combination thereof. Also, modules may share varioushardware and/or software components. For example and without limitation,the communication module 130 may be implemented, at least in part, bythe processor 160 executing software instructions stored in theapplication memory 150. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by arbitrary hardware orsoftware boundaries between modules.

Also, various components of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 may beimplemented in varying degrees of integration. For example, variousmodules (e.g., the first communication module 110, second communicationmodule 120 and communication module 130) may be implemented in a singleintegrated circuit or may be implemented in a plurality of integratedcircuits of a circuit board. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by any particular degreeof integration.

The exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 was presentedto illustrate a portion of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplaryillustration.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 200 forproviding mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone communications,in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Theexemplary method 200 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious functional characteristics with the exemplary mobile telephone100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. The exemplary method200 may, for example, be implemented in a mobile handheld communicationdevice (e.g., a mobile phone).

The exemplary method 200 may begin executing at step 210. The method 200may begin executing for any of a variety of reasons. For example andwithout limitation, the method 200 may begin executing in response to anexplicit user command to begin. Also for example, the method 200 maybegin executing in response to a signal received at a mobile telephonefrom another communication device. Further for example, the method 200may begin executing in response to a mobile telephone reset or power-upcondition. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularinitiating cause or condition.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 220, comprise establishing acommunication link with a computer communication network. Step 220 may,for example and without limitation, share various characteristics withthe functionality discussed previously with regard to the secondcommunication interface module 120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

As discussed previously with regard to the exemplary mobile telephone100, such a computer communication network may comprise characteristicsof any of a variety of computer communication networks (e.g., theInternet, a MAN, WAN, LAN, PAN, etc.). Similarly, the computercommunication network may, for example, comprise a plurality ofcommunicatively coupled computer communication networks and/or othercommunication networks in any of a large number of configurations. Thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular computer communication network orcharacteristics of a particular combination of computer and/or othercommunication networks.

Step 220 may, for example, comprise utilizing any of a variety ofcommunication protocols to communicate with the computer communicationnetwork. As discussed previously with regard to the second communicationmodule 120 of FIG. 1, such communication protocols may, for example,comprise computer communication protocols, telecommunication protocolsand/or general communication protocols. Such communication protocolsmay, for example and without limitation comprise communication protocolsbased on the IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15 standards. Suchcommunication protocols may, for example, comprise characteristics ofEthernet and/or Token Ring standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3 and/or IEEE802.5). Also for example, such communication protocols may comprisecharacteristics of UWB, Bluetooth, ZigBee, high data rate WPAN and/orlow data rate WPAN protocols, etc. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular communication protocol or manner ofcommunicating utilizing any particular communication protocol.

Step 220 may, for example, comprise utilizing any of a variety ofcommunication media in communicating with the computer communicationnetwork. As discussed previously with respect to the secondcommunication module 120 of FIG. 1, such communication media maycomprise wireless RF media, non-tethered optical media, wired media,tethered optical media, etc. The scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularcommunication medium or by characteristics of an interface module orport for communicating over a particular communication medium.

Step 220 may, for example, comprise communicating with the computercommunication network directly or through one or more intermediatecommunication networks (e.g., a cellular telephone network). In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, step 220 may comprise communicatingwith the computer communication network through a telephonecommunication network that is communicatively coupled to the computercommunication network. In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, step220 may comprise communicating with the computer communication networkthrough a PAN, a broadband communication network and the Internet.

Step 220 may, for example, comprise communicating with the computercommunication network through one or more of a plurality ofcommunication pathways (e.g., either serially or concurrently). Forexample, step 220 may comprise communicating with the computercommunication network over wireless RF, non-tethered optical, tetheredoptical or wired interfaces. Such plurality of communication pathwaysmay be completely independent or may share various communication networkportions. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particularcommunication pathway or by characteristics of communication over aplurality of communication pathways serially or concurrently.

Step 220 may comprise initiating communication with the computercommunication network in any of a variety of manners. For example andwithout limitation, step 220 may comprise initiating such communicationin response to direct user command, in response to a timer, in responseto a signal received from another communication device, etc. Step 220may also, for example, comprise detecting the presence of the computercommunication network prior to establishing a communication link withthe computer communication network (e.g., by detecting beacon messages,responses to beacon messages and/or other communication traffic).Further for example, step 220 may comprise broadcasting beacon messagesprior to establishing a communication link with the computercommunication network, and monitoring responses to such beacon messages.The scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of any particular manner of establishing acommunication link with one or more computer communication networks.

In general, step 220 may comprise establishing a communication link witha computer communication network. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of establishing a communicationlink with a computer communication network.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 230, comprise communicating withthe computer communication network to establish the mobile telephone (ormobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone) on the computercommunication network as an autonomous addressable device (e.g.,comprising a unique network address). Step 230 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various functional characteristics with thecommunication module 130 and the second communication interface module120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The mobile telephone, as an autonomous addressable device on thecomputer communication network, may have an independent networkpresence. As explained previously, being so networked, the mobiletelephone may, for example, communicate with other devices coupled tothe computer communication network as an independent networked entity,rather than as a peripheral or attachment of another (e.g., a host)networked computing device.

For example, the mobile telephone may receive information addressed tothe unique network address assigned to the mobile telephone. The mobiletelephone may, for example, communicate directly with a mobile telephonecompany through the computer communication network to receive softwareupgrades or with a media information server to download multi-mediainformation. Further for example, the mobile telephone, as an autonomousaddressable device may function as a computer communication networkgateway or router. For example, the mobile telephone may directinformation (e.g., addressed to the mobile telephone) to peripheral orattachment devices of the mobile telephone, or may route informationdirected to another networked device to that device.

Step 230 may comprise establishing the mobile telephone as an autonomousaddressable device on the computer communication network in any of avariety of manners. For example and without limitation, the step 230 maycomprise establishing a unique computer network address for the mobiletelephone. Such a network address may, for example, be static (e.g.,constant with regard to the mobile telephone) or dynamic (e.g., assignedto the mobile telephone on an as-needed basis).

In a non-limiting exemplary Internet scenario, step 230 may compriseestablishing a unique IP address for the mobile telephone. For example,step 230 may comprise retrieving such an IP address from an IP addressserver of the computer communication network. Also for example, step 230may comprise determining and communicating an IP address that has beenpredetermined for the mobile telephone. Further for example, step 230may comprise determining an IP address for the mobile telephone that isbased, at least in part, on the static telephone number or serial numberthat has been assigned to the mobile telephone.

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 230 may compriseestablishing the mobile telephone as an autonomous addressable device byinterfacing with a network controller of a MAN, WAN, LAN or PAN toestablish an independent network presence (e.g., including a uniquecomputer network address) for the mobile telephone. As with theexemplary Internet scenario discussed previously, such a unique computernetwork address may be predetermined, randomly or pseudo-randomlydetermined in real-time, and/or at least partially derived. For example,such a unique computer network address of the mobile telephone maycomprise any of a variety of characteristics. For example and withoutlimitation, the unique computer network address may comprise aspects ofthe static telephone number of the mobile telephone (e.g., incombination with various computer network designations, like sector,cell, node, access point or computer identifiers). Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular type of unique computer networkaddress for the mobile telephone or any particular manner of determiningsuch a network address.

Step 230 may also, for example, comprise establishing the mobiletelephone as an autonomous addressable networked device by providingthat the presence of the mobile telephone on the computer communicationnetwork is detectable by at least a portion of other devices coupled tothe computer communication network. For example and without limitation,other devices that are also communicatively coupled to the computercommunication network (e.g., other mobile telephones or mobilehandhelds) may be able to scan the computer communication network orcommunicate with a network database to determine whether the mobiletelephone is present on (e.g., communicatively coupled to) the computercommunication network. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 230may comprise registering the mobile telephone with a database of devices(e.g., devices with mobile phone capability) that are presentlycommunicatively coupled to the computer communication network. Inanother non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 230 may comprise providingthe capability to respond to network inquiries (e.g., polling messages)sent out on the computer communication network to determine whichdevices are presently communicatively coupled to the network.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a first autonomously networkedmobile telephone may be able to determine if a second mobile telephoneis communicatively coupled to the computer communication network (e.g.,directly or through one or more intervening computer and/orcommunication networks). As a non-limiting example, a networked devicedesiring to communicate with the mobile telephone may determine whetherthe mobile telephone is presently a part of the computer communicationnetwork.

Similarly, step 230 may comprise providing the capability for the mobiletelephone to detect other devices coupled to the computer communicationnetwork. For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 230 maycomprise providing the capability to determine if another mobiletelephone is communicatively coupled to the computer communicationnetwork (e.g., directly or through one or more intervening computerand/or communication networks). Step 230 may, for example, comprisemaking such a determination by attempting to communicate with aparticular mobile telephone or may communicate with a networked databasecomprising information of networked devices. Such a database may, forexample, comprise characteristics of a database listing mobiletelephones that are presently communicatively coupled to the computercommunication network.

In general, step 230 may comprise communicating with the computercommunication network to establish the mobile telephone (or mobilehandheld multi-media gateway and phone) on the computer communicationnetwork as an autonomous addressable device. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of establishing a mobile deviceas an autonomous networked device.

The exemplary method 200 may, at step 240, comprise communicating datawith at least a second networked device over the computer communicationnetwork utilizing the unique computer network address. Step 240 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the communication module 130 and the second communication interfacemodule 120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1and discussed previously.

Such a second networked device may comprise characteristics of any of avariety of devices that may be communicatively coupled to a computercommunication network (e.g., a multi-media server, a program server,another mobile telephone, a personal computer, a portable telephonecoupled to the computer communication network through the PSTN, a webserver, etc.).

Step 240 may, for example, comprise communicating (i.e., receivingand/or transmitting) any of a variety of types of information. Forexample and without limitation, step 240 may comprise communicatingaudio and/or video information. Also for example, step 240 may comprisecommunicating unsolicited message information. For example, step 240 maycomprise receiving unsolicited message information and presenting suchmessage information to a user of the mobile telephone. As a non-limitingexample, step 240 may comprise providing messenger capability.

Step 240 may, for example, comprise communicating information that mightbe utilized for sharing stored information, accessing storage spaceand/or sharing processing power between networked devices. For exampleand without limitation, step 240 may comprise communicating filestructure information with another networked device. Such file structureinformation may, for example, be utilized by the mobile telephone toaccess stored information or storage space in another networked deviceor vice versa. Also for example, step 240 may comprise communicatingfile format information with another networked device. Such file formatinformation may, for example, be utilized by the mobile telephone (orother networked device) to access file information or convert fileinformation to a particular format.

Additionally for example step 240 may comprise communicatingprocessor-sharing information with another networked device. Suchprocessor sharing information may, for example, be utilized by themobile phone (or other networked device) to share processing power withanother networked device. For example, such processor sharinginformation may comprise a request or command for another processor toperform an operation (e.g., file formatting, encoding/decoding, generaldata processing, etc.).

Step 240 may further, for example, comprise providing a user interfacebetween the mobile telephone and a user of the mobile telephone. Forexample and without limitation, step 240 may comprise providing any of avariety of audio, video and/or tactile interfaces to a user. Step 240may, for example, comprise providing video output on a display and/oraudio output from a speaker. Step 240 may, for example, compriseproviding for video input with a camera and/or audio input from amicrophone. Also, step 240 may comprise providing for tactile input witha touchscreen, touchpad or keypad. Additionally, step 240 may compriseproviding for tactile output with a vibrator.

Step 240 may, for example, comprise providing a communication interfacebetween a user of the mobile telephone and other devices coupled to thecomputer communication network. For example, step 240 may comprisenotifying a user of an incoming message to the mobile telephone fromanother communication device (e.g., another mobile telephone). Also forexample, step 240 may comprise providing a user interface forinformation communicated over the computer communication network, wherethe user interface shares various characteristics with a typical mobiletelephone user interface.

For example, step 240 may, for communications between the mobiletelephone and another mobile telephone over a computer communicationnetwork, comprise providing a user interface that is generally the sameas the user interface for a mobile telephone communication over a mobiletelephone communication network. Also for example, step 240 may compriseproviding user interface functionality commensurate with instantmessaging.

In general, step 240 may comprise communicating information with atleast a second networked device. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular type of communication, any particulartype of information or any particular manner of acquiring, processing orpresenting communicated information.

The exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 was presented toillustrate a portion of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplaryillustration.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communicationenvironment 300 comprising a plurality of mobile handheld multi-mediagateway and phones, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention. The exemplary communication environment 300 may, for exampleand without limitation, comprise one or more mobile handheld devices,for example comprising characteristics of the exemplary mobile telephone100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. The exemplarycommunication environment 300 may, for example and without limitation,comprise one or more mobile handheld devices (e.g., mobile telephones)performing the functionality of the exemplary method 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary communication environment 300 may, for example, compriseone or more computer communication networks. The exemplary communicationenvironment 300 may also, for example, comprise one or more networkcontrollers that control registration and/or data traffic for variousnetworked devices. The exemplary communication environment 300 mayadditionally, for example, comprise one or more devices that a mobilehandheld multi-media gateway and phone (e.g., a non-limiting example ofwhich was shown as the mobile telephone 100 in FIG. 1 and discussedpreviously) may interface with to establish an autonomous networkpresence.

The exemplary communication environment 300 may, for example, comprise aBroadband communication network 314 (e.g., associated with a broadbandaccess provider). Access to such a broadband communication network 314may, for example, be provided over DSL, cable or satellite communicationlinks. The exemplary communication environment 300 may also, forexample, comprise a wireless communication network 342. Such a wirelesscommunication network 342 may comprise a central office and a pluralityof geographically dispersed base stations. The exemplary communicationenvironment 300 may also comprise a transport network 354 (e.g., SONET)that communicatively couples a plurality of other communicationnetworks. Such other communication networks may, for example, comprise aCDMA communication network 352, the Internet, the PSTN, and networksassociated with any of a large variety of network access providers,communication service providers, content providers, etc.

The exemplary communication environment 300 may, for example at a firstlocation, comprise a gateway 326 comprising a plurality of wirelessinterfaces (e.g., an RF wireless interface 322 and a non-tetheredoptical interface 324). The gateway 326 may be communicatively coupledthrough a modem to the broadband access provider 314. The exemplarycommunication environment 300 may also, for example at a secondlocation, comprise a router 312 that is communicatively coupled througha modem to a broadband access provider 314.

The exemplary communication environment 300 may further, for example,comprise a plurality of networked devices (e.g., a first networkeddevice 310, second networked device 320, third networked device 330,fourth networked device 340 and fifth networked device 350). Thenetworked devices may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously, and may also, for example, sharevarious functional characteristics with the exemplary method 200illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

It should be noted that the exemplary communication environment 300 isprovided to provide relatively narrow examples of generally broaderaspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the exemplary communication environment 300.

The first networked device 310 may be present on a computercommunication network as an autonomous addressable device. The firstnetworked device 310 is illustrated as a mobile handheld (e.g.,comprising characteristics of the exemplary mobile telephone 100discussed previously), but may comprise characteristics of any of avariety of networked devices.

The computer communication network may also comprise a communicationport (e.g., RF communication port 322 and/or non-tethered opticalcommunication port 324) through which a mobile device (e.g., the secondnetworked device 320) may communicate with the first networked device310 over the computer communication network. The communication port may,for example and without limitation, comprise characteristics of awireless LAN communication port or a wireless PAN communication port.

The second networked device 320 (e.g., a mobile handheld multi-mediagateway and phone) may, for example, be coupled to the computercommunication network (e.g., the Internet or a LAN at Location 1)through the RF communication port 322 and/or the non-tethered opticalcommunication port 324. The second networked device 320 may be presenton the computer communication network as an autonomous addressabledevice. The second networked device 320 may, for example, be establishedas an autonomous addressable device on the computer communicationnetwork in a manner such as those discussed previously with regard toFIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the second networked device 320 may have anIP address exclusively assigned to it. Also for example, the secondnetworked device 320 may have a unique computer LAN address assigned toit.

In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first networked device310 may be communicatively coupled to the Internet through a PAN atlocation 2, a router 312 at location 2, and the broadband accessprovider 314. The first networked device 310 (which may comprise amobile handheld telephone) may, for example, comprise a unique IPaddress for Internet communications.

Continuing the first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the secondnetworked device 320 may be communicatively coupled to the Internetthrough an RF communication port 322, LAN and gateway 326 at location 1,the broadband access provider 314, the wireless carrier network 342, andthe transport network 354. The second networked device 320 (which maycomprise a mobile handheld telephone) may, for example, comprise aunique IP address for Internet communications.

Both the first networked device 310 and the second networked device 320may, for example, have a presence on the Internet that is detectable bythe other device. As discussed previously, such a presence may bedetectable by a database inquiry, polling technique or a combinationthereof. Such a database may, for example be centrally located on thecomputer communication network or geographically distributed (e.g., withcomponents at the Broadband Access Provider, Location 1 LAN, wirelesscarrier central office, Internet hubs, etc.). Each of the firstnetworked device 310 and the second networked device 320 may also becapable of detecting the presence of the other device on the Internet.

In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, the third networked device330 may comprise the capability to interface with the wireless carriernetwork 342 directly. The third networked device 330 may, for example,share various characteristics with the exemplary mobile telephone 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. The third networkeddevice 330 may attempt to communicate with the second networked device320 through the wireless carrier network 342 in a standardtelecommunication manner. If the third networked device 330 fails tocommunicate with the second networked device 320 through the wirelesscarrier network 342 in a standard telecommunication manner, the thirdnetworked device 330 may then attempt to establish communication withthe second networked device 320 through a computer communication network(e.g., the Internet).

The third networked device 330 may, for example, communicate with theInternet (e.g., through the wireless carrier network 342 and transportnetwork 354; or through the Location 1 LAN and gateway 326 and broadbandaccess provider 314, and communicate with the second networked device320 through the Internet. Both the second networked device 320 and thethird networked device 330 may comprise unique respective IP addressesfor such Internet communication.

In a third non-limiting exemplary scenario, instead of communicatingwith the second networked device 320 over the Internet, the thirdnetworked device 330 may attempt to communicate with the secondnetworked device 320 over the Location 1 LAN. For example, the secondnetworked device 320 may have been established on the Location 1 LAN asan autonomous addressable device (e.g., with an IP address or LANaddress). The third networked device 330 may communicate with theLocation 1 LAN to be established as an autonomous addressable device onthe Location 1 LAN. The third networked device 330 and the secondnetworked device 320 may then communication through the Location 1 LAN.

In a fourth non-limiting exemplary scenario, the fourth networked device340 (e.g., comprising characteristics of the mobile telephone 100discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1) may communicate through thewireless carrier central office 342 and transport network 354 to anInternet access point and establish a presence on the Internet as anautonomous addressable device. The fourth networked device 340, soestablished, may establish Internet communications (e.g., through afirewall) with the Location 1 LAN and determine (e.g., through databaseinquiry) that the second networked device 320 is established on theLocation 1 LAN as an autonomous addressable device with an independentnetwork presence. The fourth networked device 340 may then, for example,establish direct communications with the second networked device 320 asan autonomous addressable device.

In a fifth non-limiting exemplary scenario, the fifth networked device350 (e.g., comprising characteristics of the mobile telephone 100discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1) may communicate with anInternet access point through the CDMA network 352 and transport network354 and establish an independent presence on the Internet as anautonomous addressable device having a unique IP address. The fifthnetworked device 350 may communicate directly with an Internet web siteto acquire software or other data (e.g., audio, video or multi-mediainformation) directly from the Internet web site. Such software or otherdata may then be addressed to the fifth networked device 350 as anautonomous addressable device on the Internet (e.g., as opposed to aperipheral or attachment of some other networked device) using theunique IP address of the fifth networked device 350.

The exemplary communication network 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and theexemplary scenarios were presented to illustrate a portion of generallybroader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the exemplary illustration.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 400 forutilizing a mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone in a computernetwork, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.The exemplary method 400 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with functionality discussed previously withregard to the exemplary systems 100, 300 and method 200 illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously. The mobile handheld multi-mediagateway and phone may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously. The mobile handheld multi-media gatewayand phone may be referred to in the following discussion as the “mobiletelephone.”

For example, the exemplary method 400 may, at step 420, compriseestablishing a communication link with a mobile handheld multi-mediagateway and phone (e.g., a mobile telephone 100 as discussed previouslywith regard to FIG. 1). Step 420 may comprise establishing such acommunication link in any of a variety of manners. Step 420 may, forexample and without limitation, comprise various functionalcharacteristics corresponding to step 220 of the exemplary method 200illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the second communication interface module120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously, albeit from the perspective of the computernetwork rather than the mobile telephone.

For example, step 420 may comprise establishing a communication linkwith the mobile telephone over any of a variety of communication mediaor utilizing any of a variety of protocols. Step 420 may compriseestablishing a communication link with the mobile telephone over any ofa variety of communication pathways. Such pathways may, for example andwithout limitation, comprise at least one of, or any combination of, theInternet, a MAN, a WAN, a LAN, a PAN, etc. Such pathways may alsocomprise other communication networks (e.g., cellular phone, PSTN,television cable, satellite communication networks, etc.)communicatively coupled to computer network(s).

Step 420 may comprise establishing a communication link through any of avariety of computer network devices. Such computer network devices may,for example and without limitation, comprise personal computers,dedicated computer network access points, network servers, etc. Ingeneral, step 420 may comprise establishing a communication link with amobile handheld gateway and phone in any of a variety of manners.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner ofestablishing a communication link.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 430, comprise communicating withthe mobile telephone to establish the mobile telephone on the computercommunication network as an autonomous addressable device (e.g., havingan independent network presence) comprising a unique computer networkaddress. Step 430 may, for example and without limitation, comprisevarious functional characteristics corresponding to step 230 of theexemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the communicationmodule 130 of the exemplary system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously, albeit from the perspective of the computernetwork rather than the mobile telephone.

For example and without limitation, step 430 may comprise establishingthe mobile telephone on the computer communication network as anautonomous addressable device may comprise determining and/orestablishing an IP address, LAN address, or other computer communicationnetwork address that uniquely identifies the mobile telephone as anautonomous networked device on the computer network. Also for example,step 430 may comprise establishing the mobile telephone on the computercommunication network by registering information of the mobile telephonein a database of networked devices. In a non-limiting exemplaryscenario, such a database may comprise a unique computer communicationnetwork address corresponding to the mobile telephone along with otheridentifying information (e.g., a telephone number and/or serial number,user identification information, etc.).

Step 430 may also, as discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-3,comprise establishing the mobile telephone as a detectable device on thecomputer communication network (e.g., by providing registration and/orinquiry functionality). Further for example, step 430 may compriseproviding functionality to the mobile telephone enabling the mobiletelephone to detect other devices that are communicatively coupled tothe computer communication network (e.g., other mobile handheldmulti-media gateway and phone devices).

In general, step 430 may comprise establishing the mobile handheldgateway and phone on the computer communication network as an autonomousaddressable device. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular manner of establishing a device on a computer communicationnetwork as an autonomous addressable device.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 440, comprise communicatinginformation between a first networked device and the mobile telephonethrough the computer communication network (e.g., utilizing the computernetwork address of the mobile telephone). Step 440 may, for example andwithout limitation, comprise various functional characteristicscorresponding to step 240 of the exemplary method 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 and/or the communication module 130 and second communicationinterface module 120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustratedin FIG. 1 and discussed previously, albeit from the perspective of thecomputer communication network rather than the mobile telephone.

Step 440 may, for example, comprise communicating information betweenthe first networked device and the mobile telephone utilizing thecommunication link established at step 420. Step 440 may also, forexample, comprise communicating information to and/or from the mobiletelephone utilizing a unique computer communication network address forthe mobile handheld gateway and phone (e.g., as may have beenestablished at step 430). The first networked device may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of networked devices. For exampleand without limitation, the first networked device may comprisecharacteristics of a mobile handheld multi-media gateway and phone, asdiscussed previously. The first networked device may also, for example,comprise characteristics of a mobile telephone, personal computingdevice, media information server, web server, software server, etc.

The exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 was presented toillustrate a portion of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplarymethod 400.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile handheldmulti-media gateway and phone 500, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary mobile hand-held multi-mediagateway and phone 500 (which may be referred to below in a non-limitingmanner as the “mobile telephone 500”) may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the exemplary mobilehand-held multi-media gateway and phone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

For example, the mobile telephone 500 may comprise any of a variety ofcommunication interface modules 510, a wireless front end 505 and awired/tethered front end 506, which may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the exemplary first andsecond communication interface modules 110, 120 of the exemplary mobiletelephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also forexample, the mobile telephone 500 may comprise a processor 560 andmemory 550, which may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the processor 160 and application memory 150 of theexemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussedpreviously.

Further for example, the mobile telephone 500 may comprise any of avariety of user interface modules 540, which may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the userinterface module 140 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustratedin FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Still further for example, themobile telephone 500 may comprise any of a variety of signal processingmodules 530, which may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the communication module 130 and/orportions of the first and/or second communication interface modules 110,120 of the exemplary mobile telephone 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary mobile telephone 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 was presentedto illustrate a portion of generally broader aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplaryillustration.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a systemand method for providing a mobile handheld multi-media gateway andphone. While the invention has been described with reference to certainaspects and embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: at a mobile telephone,establishing a cellular communication link with one or more basestations of a cellular communication system; receiving cellular datafrom a base station of the one or more base stations over the cellularcommunication link; establishing a communication link with a networkcontroller of a local wireless network which provides local datacommunication among a plurality of devices including the mobiletelephone; providing to the local wireless network, over thecommunication link, identification information uniquely identifying themobile telephone including at least one of a mobile telephone number ofthe mobile telephone and an electronic serial number of the mobiletelephone; receiving from the network controller over the communicationlink with the local wireless network an Internet Protocol (IP) addressuniquely identifying the mobile telephone on the local wireless networkfor communications among the plurality of devices, the IP address beingestablished based on the identification information provided by themobile telephone to the local wireless network; and communicating data,including at least some received cellular data, with at least one deviceof the plurality of devices using the IP address on the local wirelessnetwork.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: at the mobiletelephone, communicating data defining a command to the at least onedevice of the plurality of devices over the communication link tocontrol operation of the at least one device.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising: at the mobile telephone, detecting user interactionwith a user interface of the mobile telephone; based on the detecteduser interaction, determining the command to the at least one device ofthe plurality of devices; and communicating the data defining thecommand to the at least one device of the plurality of devices.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: at the mobile telephone, detectinguser interaction with a user interface of the mobile telephone; based onthe detected user interaction, communicating data with the at least onedevice of the plurality of devices using the IP address on the localwireless network.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: at themobile telephone, communicating data with the at least one device of theplurality of devices to share processing power of a processor of themobile telephone with a processor of the at least one device of theplurality of devices.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: atthe mobile telephone, communicating data with the at least one device ofthe plurality of devices to access stored information stored at the atleast one device for processing the stored information at the processorof the mobile telephone.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: atthe mobile telephone, communicating data over the cellular communicationlink with the at least one device of the plurality of devices using theIP address for the mobile telephone on the local wireless network.
 8. Amobile telephone comprising: a cellular communication interfaceconfigured for data communication with a cellular network; a wirelesscommunication interface configured for data communication with a networkcontroller of a local wireless network; a communication module in datacommunication with the wireless communication interface to provide atelephone number assigned to the mobile telephone to the local wirelessnetwork and to receive from the network controller of the local wirelessnetwork a unique network address for the mobile telephone on the localwireless network, the unique address being established using thetelephone number assigned to the mobile telephone provided by the mobiletelephone to the local wireless network; and a user interface configuredfor interaction by a user for receiving control commands, the userinterface further configured to provide a communication interface forcommunication of command and control information over the wirelesscommunication interface to another communication device in datacommunication with the local wireless network for controlling the othercommunication device.
 9. The mobile telephone of claim 8 wherein thecommunication module is further configured to provide the telephonenumber assigned to the mobile telephone to a network controller of thelocal wireless network and to receive from the network controller aunique network address established by the network controller bycombining aspects of the telephone number assigned to the mobiletelephone along with a computer network designation.
 10. The mobiletelephone of claim 9 wherein the communication module is configured toreceive from the network controller a unique network address establishedby the network controller by combining aspects of the telephone numberassigned to the mobile telephone along with an access point identifier.11. A method comprising, at a mobile communication device, establishingdata communication between the mobile communication device and a networkcontroller of data communication network, the data communication networkconfigured to provide communication of data among a plurality of networkdevices in data communication with the network; at the mobilecommunication device, determining a unique serial number assigned to thewireless communication device and, based on the unique serial number,establishing a unique network address for the mobile communicationdevice on the network for direct data communication over the datacommunication network between the mobile communication device and aselected network device of the plurality of network devices; andcommunicating data directly between the mobile communication device andthe selected network device over the data communication network.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising: at the mobile communicationdevice, receiving data at a communication interface module from a remotetransmitter over a wireless data network; identifying as an intendeddestination of the received data the selected network device; and usingthe unique network address to access the data communication network,communicating the received data to the selected network address over thedata communication network.
 13. The method of claim 11 whereinestablishing a unique network address for the mobile communicationdevice on the network comprises: establishing a unique internet protocol(IP) address for the mobile communication device on the datacommunication network.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:establishing data communication over the data communication networkbetween the mobile communication device and an IP address server in datacommunication with the data communication network; and retrieving theunique IP address from the IP address server.
 15. A mobile communicationdevice comprising: a first communication interface configured forwireless communication with a remote radio over a wireless network; asecond communication interface configured for data communication over anetwork with a network device of a plurality of network devices; and acommunication module configured to obtain from the network device aunique network address, for communicating on the network with thenetwork device of the plurality of network devices, the unique networkaddess being based on a static telephone number assigned to the mobilecommunication device, the unique network address providing that presenceof the mobile communicating device on the network is detectable on thenetwork by the network device of the plurality of network devices. 16.The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the communicationmodule is configured to detect other devices communicatively coupled tothe network and to initiate data communication with detected devices.17. The mobile communication device of claim 15 further comprising: auser interface module in data communication with the communicationmodule, the user interface module configured to provide a communicationinterface between the mobile communication device and the network deviceof the plurality of network device over the network.
 18. The mobilecommunication device of claim 17 wherein the communication module isconfigured to receive a message over the network via the secondcommunication interface, and the user interface is configured to conveyinformation contained in the received message to a user of the mobilecommunication device.
 19. The mobile communication device of claim 15wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with thenetwork to register the unique network address with a database ofdevices storing information about other device communicatively coupledwith the network.
 20. The mobile communication device of claim 15wherein the first communication interface is configured to receive datafor the network device from the remote radio over the wireless network,and wherein the communication module is configured to communicate thereceived data, via the second communication interface to the network forcommunication to the network device.